Princeton WannaBe Blog

The Owners of Small World Plan Facelift ....
January 31, 2010

Yep, but don't imagine a Joan Rivers/Heidi Pratt situation ....

This summer, Small World Coffee on Witherspoon is planning some magical nips & tucks.  I KNOW!

Now before y'all FLIP OUT about change .... the alterations will make the process smoother and the coffee house vibe just as serene .... maybe more serene.

BENT SPOON ICE CREAM TOOK A COUPLE OF DAYS OFF TO REGENERATE ...... THEY'LL BE BACK OPEN ON MONDAY!

(Did you know the owners of bent spoon used to work at small world?  I guess it really IS a small world after all!)

This Weekend, Stosh Eats Up the Competition!
January 31, 2010

Pictured here, is Stosh A Roo with his championship danish from Olive's on Witherspoon ......

Why?  For his efforts at the less publicized but equally dramatic Boy Scouts Pine Wood Derby race!

Stosh was pretty thrilled with his weekend sweep and I bet the Princeton University Women's Basketball Team was too!

Congrats to everyone who had a weekend full of good times with good friends!

1 comment - Last on 01/31/2010

Saturday and Sunday, You Better Be in the PINK ZONE!
January 29, 2010

At 6pm - Princeton University Women's Basketball Team is playing Yale.  If you show up to the game in PINK you get in FREE! 

Nassau Inn Yankee Doodle Tap Room is offering Pink Zone Lunch and Dinner Specials to raise money for breast cancer resource centers in Princeton. 

More and more, I am reminded that Princeton is small enough to get alot of things done quickly and big enough to really make a difference.  The most impressive part?  People in Princeton care enough to want to make a difference!

GO PRINCETON! 

(This isn't the last you'll hear from me on breast cancer awareness, the YWCA is having it's annual Tribute to Women and a few of them are personal buds .... you get it .... more gushy blog posts headed your way!)

1 comment - Last on 01/31/2010

Happy Birthday Oprah! My Gift to You? A Princeton AH HA Moment!
January 29, 2010

Firestone Library at Princeton University has unpublished works of JD Salinger!  I KNOW!

Oprah, it's your birthday, contact us and we'll show you the secret stash!

(Did you know you can join the Firestone Library for a small yearly fee?  You won't believe what's over there ..... http://firestone.princeton.edu/)

Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to Nassau Streeeeeeet????!!!
January 28, 2010

Kermit would be SO PROUD of Princeton!

"We have been very concerned about making the door open for low-income students to apply," (the Dean of Princeton University)  said to the Daily Princetonian.  "We went from requiring three SAT subject tests to two subject tests because many students do not get the college counseling early enough in the process to prepare for many Subject tests. We have made concerted efforts to travel and reach out to students of various backgrounds."

Alot of our customers expect to see Biff and Buffy prancing around campus ..... thankfully, the days of Princeton University being a country club for the elite are long gone but the existence is integral to the story of our town (& gown!)

 Book one of our tours and we'll tell you how PU went from a school of judgemental ministers then a country club for American boys and, now, the top Ivy League school with one of the most diverse student bodies in its class .....

No medical school, no law school and no busines school ...... How are they doing this? 

We know and it's one of the best love stories you'll ever hear!

Daily Tours - $20 per person - Year Round - Private Gigs - Great as a Gift!

Princeton Pi Day - A Day We're Never Gonna Let You Forget!
January 27, 2010

March 14th ...... Einstein's birthday .... 3.14 .... numeric equivalent of Pi. 

YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS UP!!!!!!

Sunday, March 14rth head to the heart of Princeton and be served coffee by Einstein himself!  Maybe you'll even meet him ..... or his mother!  His first girlfriend?  (Whew, she was pretty angry when they broke up and he still wanted her to do the laundry!) 

The Princeton Public Library along with the Princeton merchants are participating in celebrating this geek freak extravaganza!  Mark your calendars now and expect ALOT more information headed your way!  Everyone is welcome and ALL merchants can participate.  If you're interested e:mail Princeton Tour Company at info@princetontourcompany.com!

(Like the logo?  Me too!  joy at joycards is a miracle worker:  609-430-0333)

There's a reason it feels so snuggly in the Nassau Inn ......
January 27, 2010

It's the generous energy of the management .....

January 30th, this Saturday, after the Princeton University Women's Basketball Game, the Nassau Inn Tap Room is giving a % of sales to support local breast cancer resource groups ...... (1/2 price Cosmos included!!!)

February 10th, Nassau Inn is hosting the Community Response Benefit, which will raise money for relief in Haiti.  (The merchant response has been astounding  with donations from the Terra Momo Restaurant Group and Jack Morrison of JM Group Princeton, music and lots of silent auction items too ....)   It's $25 a person - all of it goes to the right folks at the right time!

(If you're a member of the Princeton Merchant Association, Home Town Princeton or Chamber, you know the kind of support they give our organizations!   We would all be in a world-o-hurt if the Nassau Inn didn't offer space.)

THANK YOU NASSAU INN! 

(Thanks for treating my guys like family every Sunday while I'm out giving tours too!)

If You're Starting to Think We're Kind of Stalkers or Stage 5 Clingers .....
January 27, 2010

Can you imagine how curious we are about characters on our tours?

An equally crazed group from Washington DC are headed to Princeton.  Why?  Next Saturday, February 6th, is Aaron Burr, Jr.'s birthday!  (It seems he has quite a following in DC - go figure!) 

Of course these folks want to see his childhood home, where he studied and where he was buried. 

We can't WAIT to break down how he was a Lex Luther to Thomas Jefferson's Superman, a Riddler to Benjamin Franklin's Batman...and a Jack McCall to Alexander Hamilton's Wild Bill Hickock

(zing!)

David Newton is One FINE Lookin' Landlord!
January 26, 2010

ESPECIALLY WHEN HE'S SAYING "YES"!

Here's Palmer Square's very own David Newton saying "YES" to a full page ad in the

YWCA Tribute to Women Awards Dinner!

Here's how you can keep us from tracking YOU down in an alley!:  http://www.ywcaprinceton.org/polEventRegTributeToWomen.cfm

The anonymous woman with him (wearing the pink kate spade bag) deserves some of the credit!  Thanks Wonder Woman!

McCarter Theater even gave us a 20%DISCOUNT CODE ! I KNOW!
January 26, 2010

(Thank yourselves, not us, it's you guys that earned it, not us!)

On Monday, February 1st - 8 pm - Ben Vereen's one man show, "An Evening With Ben Vereen," will benefit McCarter Theatre.  Mr. Vereen, who is also starring in the McCarter's new play Fetch Clay, Make Man, brings his one man show to Princeton showcasing a unique blend of artistry, combining a tribute to Broadway, Frank Sinatra, and a very special tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.

Tickets start at $50 and are available by calling the McCarter ticket office at (609) 258-2787; visit on-line at www.mccarter.org; or in person at 91 University Place, Princeton. Student tickets are $12. 

Remember, put in the code "tour" and you get 20% off!

Not only was Agatha Christie one dramatic chick: she was a real smartypants and one busy little bee - totally Princeton material!
January 25, 2010

She wrote over 66 novels, many short stories, plays and screenplays, and even a series of romances (!) using a pen name.  Talk about prolific... Just like our PTC tour guides, Aggie had something cookin' on every burner. 

Only one weekend left to catch "And Then There Were None" by the Grande Dame of Mystery starring a PTC drama queen!

Somerset Valley Players presents:

Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None"
Directed by Mike Muller
Jan. 29 @ 8:00 pm
Jan. 30 @ 8:00 pm
Jan. 31 @ 2:00 pm

Tickets $15, Seniors/Students $13
Somerset Valley Players
www.svptheatre.org
689 Amwell Road
Hillsborough, NJ 08844-3317
(908) 369-7469

Proof that Blair Arch on Princeton University campus is HAUNTED! (pictures provided)
January 25, 2010

This was sent to us by one of our cool customers, Sarah:

Admit It, You Go To the 2nd Floor of Princeton Public Library to Look at the Latest People Magazine, Vogue and Fortune .... Here's Your New Cover Story For Hanging Out There ....
January 24, 2010

RECENT WORK

by Pamela Kogen 

is on display at 

Princeton Public Library

65 Witherspoon Street, 2 floor 

January 15 - February 29, 2010 

I KNOW!!!!

(Stosh and I just saw it at the Library and he said it "was about families needing to be patient with each other.  I have no idea if he was right or wrong but the work evokes thought and dialogue.) 

For me, THAT'S art worth looking at!  Go check it out at Princeton Public Library or HERE:  www.pamelakogen.com

Go to that website and pick a series, read the artist's statement and you'll want to make that trip over to Princeton Public Library ....

If I Hadn't Flirted Through Biology, I Probably Would Have Worked For These Folks ....
January 23, 2010

Novo Nordisk knows how to fall in love and get the job done.   Every month they send a bazillion sales pros to train, mentor and get ready to tell the world about their life changing products. 

Why do they encourage each sales group to begin their visit in Princeton with one of our tours?  We have no idea but we couldn't be more thrilled and honored to introduce them to our city!

 Want proof that Novo Nordisk sales reps speak the truth?  Here's a video!:  http://www.youtube.com/user/princetontourcompany#p/u/6/LO9-BcAN7ns

This Just Came in Our INBOX .... Man, We're Diggin' Feeling Like an Insider! (our luck may run out, so don't miss this one ....)
January 23, 2010

Princyclopedia's theme will be Treasure Island!!!  (I wonder if Princeton University was inspired by Steve O's recent purchase of a metal detector ....probably not ..... anyhoo.....)

Here's what the anonymous tip looked like in my INBOX:"Mimi, we're gearing up for another Princyclopedia, and we would love to have Princeton Tour Company come back for another year of fun! This year, the theme is Treasure Island and I’m full of ideas for what you folks might be able to do".

The event is Saturday, March 27th from 10am to 3pm in Dillon Gym on Princeton University campus.

( pictured here is a brochure that came with his metal detector contraption ......Steve O and Bella will be working the booth this year so I encourage you to ask my #1 hunter what sorts of "treasure" he's found so far ...... believe me, it's a short conversation!)

The NEW and FABULOUS Peacock Inn! (Get Ready for a Gushy Blog Post!)
January 22, 2010

So I just RAN back from The Peacock Inn to post this message!  I met Barry and Elaine Sussman who have just opened the doors of the The Peacock Inn! 

Yes, The Peacock Inn is open and, yes, it was WORTH the 3 1/2 year wait!

Don't just trust me, trust the people that give out 4 STAR ratings - http://www.slh.com/hotelfinder/keyword/princeton/page0.html

I KNOW!!!!!   Picture an historic landmark in downtown Princeton.  Now picture it full of world class art, 16 individually designed rooms with rain showers, heated tile floors, flat screen TV's, a private wine cellar, meeting space and, I think you know my favorite area, a world class bar!  Oh wait, they have 2 Rolls Royces on the property .... I think they said one was a convertible ..... I KNOW!  Annette Palmieri, the gifted designer, calls it a "little gem" in Princeton.  I call it priceless!  But not pricey at all - rooms start at $250 per night!

If you want to take a peek, the intimate bar opens at 5pm daily.  The bartender?  John ....... if you want a cocktail from a class act, this is a place you want to check out soon!

(Please share this on your facebook and Twitter!  Vibrant, clever, family owned businesses are what make Princeton, well, Princeton so show everyone it's wise to invest in downtown Princeton!)

A personal message to Barry and Elaine - Thank You!  Our Tours Just Got Better!

We Were the First to Let You Know Mike the Barber Was Headed Back to Princeton .... You Won't Believe What We're Sharing Tomorrow!
January 21, 2010

Tune in later tomorrow - we'll have photos and an interview like we've never gone before of the one place you'd be PROUD to see get off the ground in Princeton! 

Are we tickled to be asked to leak the story? 

YOU KNOW IT!   

Is there a clue in this message? 

YOU KNOW IT!

Over 14,000 Rhodia Employees Plan Teambuilding in Princeton!
January 21, 2010

Here's the first 17 employees of the 14,500 employed worldwide! 

Rhodia is a genius operation in Cranbury, New Jersey.  They're all about chemistry, sustainability AND sharing fun activities with their talented group.  They employ the best and the brightest .... like this guy here:

All this practice is making us great at doing teambuilding events in Princeton!  J&J digs our lantern led walking tours and the sales crew at Novo Nordisk can't get enough of our pub crawls!  Wegmans just booked a custom scavenger hunt for their management team! 

Wanna know more about Rhodia?  I was so impressed with the crew I looked 'um up!  http://www.rhodia.com/en/innovation/index.tcm

Friday Night Fever in Princeton! Yep, this Friday is the 101:"Get Up & Dance" Event!
January 20, 2010

7:30pm - This year it's at the swanky Jasna Polana Country Club!  Tickets $85 in advance and $95 at the door - www.fund101.org

So let me get this straight ..... I get to laugh at Steve O's dance moves, (he dances like he's doing a Tae Bo workout - visualize that - he really does) AND help a neighborhhod kid realize his/her dream of earning a college degree?

On Saturday night, go at 7pm - go to the Fred Astaire Dance Studio and meet Tony & Elena from "Dancing with the Stars" - you read that right ..... they're gonna be in town!  (only $60 per person, call 609-921-8881 to purchase)

How cool would it be if Tony & Elena showed up at Jasna Polana the night before their performance and challenged Steve O and I to a "Dance Off" to help raise money for Princeton High School? 

(pictured here is Hannah, our sales rep/babysitter .... she's available to watch the 'lil ones Friday/Saturday night if that's the only thing holding you back from booking now!  Just contact me and I'll broker the deal!)

Rich Feldman(n) $hops Local and it Pays Off BIG TIME!
January 19, 2010

small world coffee is giving Rich Feldman(n)   ONE YEAR of FREE JAVA!

(I KNOW!)

Tattoos and Princeton Historical Markers .... They're More Alike Than You Think!
January 19, 2010

Have you ever wondered why the heart of Princeton doesn't have more historical markers? 

Because the WHOLE TOWN would be COVERED in markers!  In a town this important, you have to VERY careful on what you mark b/c over time, you could run outta room!

Still, there are some that I'd love to see:  Where, in Princeton, did Einstein really sign the letter to FDR?  What exact location would George order the firing of the cannon on Nassau Hall?  Where was JFK told to "Stop it.  Stop it right now."

(Yes, we know about Casey's burial site and Tiger Woods being in rehab .... that stuff doesn't hold our attention for long.  Who needs to create drama for modern day families when the historical stuff is SO much more exciting?  If the rumors are true about what Tiger is doing for Haiti .... now THAT would get us talking for sure!)

"I’ve sat in on classes where people are talking about the ’30s and about civil rights and about Martin Luther King, and there’s this gap, as if (Paul Robeson)never existed. He’s one of the giants of the civil rights movement, and no one knows.”
January 18, 2010

said Mrs. Landzberg in this article from the New York Times. 

As you celebrate Martin Luther King Day, take a minute to learn just a bit about Princeton local Paul Robeson who never got his due when it comes to his contributions toward civil rights:  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/nyregion/03towns.html?_r=1 

Today, the Historical Society has an event from 1p-2p, Princeton University has an event and the Arts Council of Princeton has a FREE celebration from 2p-5p!  It's a great opportunity to come to the heart of Princeton and teach your kids about this Princeton Great! 

Not headed to the heart of Princeton?  No worries, here's a great source for everything going on here & nearby:  http://ow.ly/XHFa

Princeton Gets Hardcore About Helping Haiti ...
January 17, 2010

Wyclef Jean is all about using every medium possible to help Haiti.  He created an org that creates projects to improve the quality of education, health, environment and community development in Haiti. To donate to its Haiti relief efforts, go to yele.org or text YELE to 501501 to donate $5.

A Princeton University graduate sent this message encouraging donations:

Matt says, "I have had the privilege of getting to know Haiti over the last several years- I was there as recently as two weeks ago.  There is much more to the country than the image that is typically projected in newspaper headlines.  Haiti is a poor country, but it is a proud country- and rightfully so.  Haiti was the first nation to overthrow colonial era slavery – more than 50 years before our own country.  The bravery and sacrifice of Haitians in that era profoundly contributed to a better future for people the world over.  Any amount that you can contribute will go a long way.  Thank you for reading this and for any help that you can provide."

Just to make it super easy - go to yele.org or text YELE to 501501 to donate $5 OR ..... go to jane on spring street - an anonymous donor is offering $10 toward every handbag sale!  I KNOW!  or donate to the Princeton Regional Rotary .... last Friday they told us they had raised over $10K or go to the Library Plaza - there are kids there selling baked goods and donating 100% - it doesn't matter what you do but try to do something, 'K?

If GoodCrush Had a Site for the Princeton Public Library I'd Never Leave My Computer ...
January 16, 2010

http://princeton.goodcrush.com/ is where the Princeton University students go to type in messages like, "Spotted: We danced at Tower, you were a cute Asian guy wearing a red sweater. I was a little shy and a little too tired. Sorry I ditched you!"

IF there was a GoodCrush site for the Princeton Public Library, I would type messages like, "My customers come to Princeton ..... they start gushing about your gorgeous design, I agree .... Sometimes I mention that Bob Hillier was the architect and I know where he buys those bow ties ..... y'know random stuff to avoid looking them in the eyes .... "

(You guys gotta check out the goodcrush site - it'll make you smile!  http://princeton.goodcrush.com/ - true love is the best love!)

This photo called:  Identity Theft!! by Gustav Gustafsson, Sean Gaulager, tetheredtothesun, and Sean Ripple

Wanna See Who Letterman Commissions for Art?
January 15, 2010

Not late night TV host David Letterman, silly!  Leon!  Nobel Prize Winner Leon Lederman commissioned a portrait of his dog from artist Jesse Reel. 

This Jesse Reel!  (She was 11 years old when she got that gig - now she does work for all sorts of smartypants art collectors. Jesse graduated from Stanford, walked onto the rowing team .... I KNOW!  Now she's training in Princeton for the upcoming Olympics .... I KNOW!)

Wanna see her brilliant stuff?  Here ya go:  http://jessireel.wordpress.com/ 

Wanna see alot of local artists who love art?  Here you go:  http://www.smallworldcoffee.com/  (I hope Jesse isn't to busy to make this event on February 5th - the art exhibit fundraiser for the Arts Council of Princeton!)

Princeton Paparazzi .... You Don't Want to Miss This!
January 14, 2010

SPECIAL EVENT
A Conversation with Cornel West and Ben Vereen

February 8th - 6:00pm 

I KNOW!!!!!

Here's how to get tix:  http://www.mccarter.org/ticketoffice/eventdetail.aspx?page_id=7&event_id=5476

Everyone knows about Fetch Clay, Make Man, right?  No? .... no problem .... here ya go:  http://www.mccarter.org/ticketoffice/eventdetail.aspx?page_id=7&event_id=4716

Everyone knows Mahamed Ali was given an honorary degree from Princeton University right?  No?  no problem .... here ya go .... http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S18/10/64S75/index.xml?section=newsreleases

What? We're Gonna Be on Broadway? Princeton Tour Company? HOLD THE PHONE!
January 13, 2010

You guys know better than to fall for that!  BUT if you want all the sounds of Broadway and none of the nasty commute .....

Head to Richardson Hall on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 8:00pm ....... They'll be featuring swinging and sultry favorites from the Great American Songbook, by such composers as George Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Irving Berlin and Cole PorterBroadway tunes .....

Another reason to hit Richardson Hall ..... y'know the stain glass outside?  DONE BY TIFFANY'S!  I KNOW!  Don't get me started on the mosaic wall on the stage!

www.princetonsymphony.org for pricing and all that jazz ..... sorry ..... I had to do that!

My Bookeeper is a Genius at ALOT More Than Just Numbers ....
January 13, 2010

She knows ALL ABOUT Princeton too! 

The fashion ....she told me Niko Niko is carrying  the entire line of  Orla Kiely purses!

The finds .... did you know you can take your Hedy Shepard has trunk shows each month?  She does a blast e:mail to devotees ......www.hedyshepardltd.com
 

and

The friendliest mathmaticians!  Yep, she's married to one of the most famous numbers guys of all time.  Wanna know which one?  I'll give you a hint .... he works at Princeton University and his smartypants son goes to Riverside Elementary!  Here's a slide show of the world's GREATEST numbers devotees .... it's photos of them AND audio interviews ..... give it a listen .... it's fun!  http://seedmagazine.com/slideshow/mathematicians/

(but THANK GOSH she's great at numbers too!  You can find her at Real Possibilities at www.real-possibilities.com)

Deans Date is Today …… I’m Just a Princeton WannaBe so MLIG but for Princeton undergrads….
January 12, 2010

(Not so much!)

Deans Date is the last Tuesday at the end of each semester when reading period ends and final exams begin.  (Supposedly they scream their heads off at midnight the night before at Holder Hall)

January 11th, The Day You Discovered You LOVE Jess Turner! Who? Here You Go ....
January 11, 2010

Jess Turner, Class of 2012 .... You guys gotta check her out .... really .... have I ever steered you wrong?

http://www.jessturnermusic.com/JTM_composition.html

Jess, if you need an agent we want the job!  (I mean, we've never done that but we wish we knew how! Heck, you're so good, we're gonna promote you FOR FREE on all our tours!!!!)

Who Crushes On Owen Wilson When You Could Crush on Princeton University Dean Dobkin?
January 10, 2010

Dean David Dopkin is the Princeton University Dean of Faculty and, frankly, one cool dude.

Not only is he a genius at computer science, he's collects pennies ...... and snow globes ...... he's been known to say that "a good tequila is better than pi".  (Now that's a guy anyone wants to work hard for!  It's been told to me that he's a huge reason why the faculty at Princeton are so happy.)

Why the reference to Owen Wilson?  David Dobkin of Hollywood was the Director of Wedding Crashers ..... Check out Dean Dobkin's homepage and you tell me if this Dean doesn't give Owen a run for his money!  http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~dpd/  (my favorite is his guiding philosophy....)

(Here's a great interview by an amazing writer, joy E. Stock.  Do you believe we have people like this in our community?  It's so wonderful!  http://www.wildriverreview.com/3/3-quarkpark_dobkin.php)

Princeton Theological Seminary Brings Rock StarTalent to Princeton!
January 10, 2010

We all walk or drive past the Princeton Theological Seminary .......

I think I've already told you the Seminary has a collection of works 2nd only to the Vatican ....

also on campus is ......

a professor who created a grammar system used throughout the world to teach Hebrew ....

a professor who is considered the world's foremost scholar regarding the New Testament .... I KNOW!

(This post inspired by Ryan, a recent tour guest and MY 'lil rockstar, Stosh.  I told him what I learned from Ryan and he said, "Those guys are the ROCKSTARS of religion!"  You can't make this up!  Here's proof: 

File Under "Harvard and Yale Are Starting to Look Desperate"
January 09, 2010

There's a rumor that Yale sold memorabilia from the Skull & Bones Society to make some cash.  Don't think so?  It's conceivable!  Harvard is so panicked, they actually created a clothing line for Harvard Wanna Bees! http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/09/04/style/20090906-harvard-slideshow_index.html

Just When I Thought I Had Made Sense of Steve O Being One/Third Nerd ....
January 09, 2010

He went out and spent his holiday mad money on a brand new metal detector ......., (you're not hung over ..... you read that right .....)  an actual metal detector. 

Like, I didn't know real people owned metal detectors ...... I thought they were paid actors, people in witness protection programs, the CIA or random cast members for a movie being filmed nearby ...... NORMAL PEOPLE DO NOT GO OUT AND BUY A METAL DETECTOR!!!!

When I flipped out Steve O just said, "What?  It goes with the Will Ferrell Sexy Hot Tanning Lotion you gave me for Christmas!"

(like our tours, nothing on this blog is made up .... to all of you who bow to the power of something greater than yourself, pls send out a quick plea that this gets lost, broken or stolen .... preferably before spring!)

(Just to keep my crazy history vibe  ..... did you know Columbus discovered manatees on this same day back in 1490something?  HE DID but he thought they were mermaids!!!!  Hey, maybe Steve O and Columbus are leading parallel lives?)

1 comment - Last on 01/11/2010

Agatha Christie Was One Dramatic Chick .... When She Found Out Hubby was Having an Affair ....
January 08, 2010

Agatha up and left town, changed her name and checked into a swanky hotel .... it took a flippin' man hunt to find the famous drama queen!  (She really did she was gone for eleven days ...... can you say damn girl......calm yourself down??!!!! )

Anyhoo, our tourguides would give Agatha a run for her money when it comes to being dramatic!!!! 

Photographed here, you may recognize our "Master Storyteller" from our ghost tours! Now she's onstage in Agatha Christie's classic whodunit:

"And Then There Were None"
Directed by Mike Muller
January 15-31, 2010
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM.

Tickets $15, Seniors/Students $13 

Somerset Valley Players
www.svptheatre.org
 

Agatha Christie sold more copies of books than the Bible? 

Yep!  And our tourguide SOLD OUT her ghost tours!  Don't stay calm, get your ticket  before they vanish !!!!!

"I Was Pretty Much Counting on My Limited Edition Beanie Doll Collection & Nana's Mink Coats for Retirement"....
January 08, 2010

"until I refinanced with Arlington Capital last month!"  SHE says ...  

ME:  "Good thinking, they're local ...... savvy and ..... well, maybe this is why the rates are so low ..... kinda cute!  How'd you find them?"

SHE says:  "On facebook .... how forward thinking is that?  http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Princeton-NJ/Arlington-Capital-Mortgage/177382976630?ref=ts

(All the gang is great but the chick that made our refi nightmare go away was Jennifer Hayden! 609-945-7507)

No, these are not paid ads .... we at Princeton Tour Company just like to share the wealth!

Princeton University .... Known for Outstanding Education and, Well, Great PElvis too ...
January 08, 2010

Jeremy Roller ’95 and Brian Policano ’95 loved Elvis so much, they started PElvis “a group of Princeton students dedicated to spreading the magic of the King.”

In its heyday, PElvis had a “couple hundred members” who paid $5 each to join and got to enjoy Elvis movies, fried peanut butter and banana sammies and a few brews.  These guys were pretty serious about loving the King - one visited Graceland more than once and, the other, dressed up in a silk suit for a Tiger game! 

The group no longer exists but insiders say that a rogue group of PElvis fans are planning an "event" this evening.  Just remember boys, the King was a gentleman!

Here's the boys with Elvis many years ago.  Today is Elvis's birthday so we KNOW they'll be celebrating tonight too!

Not an Elvis fan?  Then celebrate the anniversay of expanded suffrage in the US -  Today, in 1867, Congress enacted the first law in American history that granted African-American men the right to vote!

2 comments - Last on 01/08/2010

Love Spelled Backwards is Evol ...
January 07, 2010

During VD month, DEFEAT YOUR CYNICAL SIDE!

HOW?  

Small World Coffee’s two cafes will be featuring its first annual juried LOVE SHOW!  (Artists have been encouraged to respond to the word "love" – in broad or specific terms – and to create a piece of art that they feel somehow expresses the word or any of its myriad of connotations......hence, the inspiration for the title of this blog post!)

Per usual, the gang at Small World Coffee will be showing the ULTIMATE act of love and donating all the cash-o-la from their February 5th event back to the Arts Council of Princeton. 

There'll be free music, free food, gorgeous art and FREE LOVE!  

Who can twist that into something negative?

When:  February 5th - 8:00pm - 10:00pm; Witherspoon location

(Did you know Sylvia Beach, Princeton resident and owner of Shakespeare & Company in Paris, would do similar events in her bookstore to raise money for the likes of James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott?  It's TRUE!  When her bookstore needed funding the same artists helped her pay rent!  Ernest Hemingway actually hid her books during WWII!)  

I don't know about ya'll but history like that and events like this are LOVE SPELLED FORWARD!

(lovely tee shirt models and art enthusiasts are Alyssa Santos, Malena Attar, Tuc Sargentini, Debbie Marion)

Wanna Get Admitted to Princeton? Here's an Insider Secret to Getting Your Application in the Right Hands!
January 06, 2010

Princeton University is wildly supportive of her host city Princeton, New Jersey.  (The University doesn't have to but offers free shuttle service, incredible farmers markets , academic programming to our schools and discounts to residents for classes and seminars. Not to mention a trillion other perks but Xperts say I gotta get to the point within the second paragraph  or you'll get bored .....)

The Insider Secret?  They also purchase locally and encourage the students, faculty and staff to do the same!  We at Princeton Tour Company know it would take more than our wits to get into Princeton so, IF we wanted to go to Princeton ...... we'd shop locally all the time!  That's your best way to make a casual connection with someone in power at Princeton University:

The 2nd female Ivy League president (first blonde - holla!) gets a coffee at Small World every am ..... if you miss her you can see the lead singer of Rackett shortly thereafter  ...... the king of Paideia eats at Sotto once a week and, well, if you don't know who they are .... frankly, you should study more, but for you less studious types, the Princeton University Director of Admissions eats lunch at Olive's most days ...... (it's okay, you can tell him we told you to say "hi".  He's the type to laugh and tell you he thinks this blog is silly!

Want to Sit Next to an Multi-Million Dollar Business Owner?
January 05, 2010

You need to be hitting the Princeton Public Library Environmental Film Festival! 

(There are movies everyday, throughout the day and night until January 17th ....... think Sundance, only for the environment!)

Here's my paparazzi shot of Gary Hirshberg, chairman, president, and CEO of Stonyfield Farm ..... yes, he said "hi" to me ...... my favorite Gary line?  "If someone tells you one small person can't do big things ...... they haven't slept with a mosquito". 

Here's the breakdown of the schedule:  http://www.princeton.lib.nj.us/peff/schedule.htm

1 comment - Last on 01/07/2010

"Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken" ....
January 05, 2010

Okay, so Oscar Wilde deserves the credit for the quote, but Bella (my mom, Stosh's grandmother and, in general, everyone's favorite person) made it a mantra in our family.  Now my Granny Kirby started the whole feel good mess when she would tell me, "Honey, bein' a bit of a bird is why you can fly!"  

Have you got strong women in your life who helped you keep it real? 

Be on the lookout for the YWCA's 2010 Tribute to Strong Women campaign ..... 

more on that later ....

What If You Could See the Books That Inspired the Architect of US Policy of Soviet Containment?
January 05, 2010

YOU CAN!!  

Glen Echo books on Nassau Street has a HUGE collection from Kennan's estate.  (Glen Echo is that adorable underground shop at the corner of Nassau and Bank Street - by the American Express .... down Niko Niko and Tippy Toes .....) 

http://www.glenechobooks.com/

A delightful group of Harvard grads came to Princeton yesterday just because they wanted to see his house(s), office building and grave?  Yep, and now their booking a tour with more friends in the Spring! 

The best part?  I made them say Princeton was better than Harvard!  I don't think they meant it but they did it just to find out about the location of the books!  Safe travels boys!  You said it best yesterday, "There's really no place like Princeton!"

#7 of Things You Have to Do This Year in the Heart of Princeton ...
January 04, 2010

Travel to Michael Cremone's Yoga Above at 80 Nassau Street - y'know, above Zorba's Brother, Paper Source and Twist - the same building where Einstein had his first ice cream cone ..... really?  REALLY!  anyhoo ....

Yoga Above is the one of a kind Yoga practice center in the heart of Princeton - it's a donation-only payment system AND it has the only HOT YOGA CLASSES in the area! 

If you're looking for some hot stretching and meditation sessions with more heart and soul than your average classroom, skip that trip to Nepal ..... the best yoga is here in your Princeton backyard!   http://yogaabove.com/hot_yoga.htm. 

(Need more motivation?  If you're like me and holding any pose longer than a camera flash is asking alot ...... take a look around you in the Yoga Above classroom ...... you'll see smartypants from the Institute, world class photographers and even a journalist (or two!)  Okay, back to your inner reflections....)

Wanna See How Gorgeous New York Types Get Ready for the Work Week?
January 04, 2010

A private Pub Crawl baby!

This merry band of New Yorkers headed to Princeton to celebrate new marriages, new jobs, lifelong friendships and the new year.

The beautiful people of NYC seem to think Princeton is the PERFECT destination spot! 

ME TOO!

If It Was This Cold Today ..... Back in 1777 ..... I Would Have Asked George to Let Me Stay By the Fire ....
January 03, 2010

IT'S TRUE!  It was 20 degrees during the Battle of Princeton two hundred and thirty three years ago ..... (not as windy, in fact, sunny but anyhoo ...that's stuff for us wierdo tourguide types to care about) 

British hid in Nassau Hall because it was the largest building in the colony .... they didn't think George would fire on such an important building ..... they were freeeeeezing ....... there was so much ice on the ground, men (some barefoot) were slipping from all the blood on the ice ..... when the British surrendered it turned the Revolutionary War around - for good.  I'm no historian but ask a real one and they'll tell you the Princeton/Trenton campaign created our nation.

It's pretty cold out today but even if you can only drive by the Battlefield today, consider your freedoms and send a quick "thanks y'all" out to the landscape.  

Did you know Princeton had more graduates serve in the initial Congress than any other college?  Did you know Princeton had more graduates recruited to the OSS during WWII due to its world class linguist program?  Princeton educated three Presidents, eleven Supreme Court members and countless patriots .....Get lost on Google and see just how much Princeton University has done for this country throughout the decades! 

You Know You're A Princeton Genius When ....
January 02, 2010

YOU'RE GENEROUS IN MIND AND SPIRIT!:

"One evening, Albert Einstein was given a ride to a meeting by a Mr. Schweitzer, a German refugee who had a farm in Skillman.  “When it came to the end of the meeting, Mr. Schweitzer approached me very embarrassed that he would have to take the professor home in his truck, and he suggested someone else take him … [When I informed Einstein] he said, ‘Well, how is Mr. Schweitzer going to go home?’ I said, ‘Well, he’s going in his truck of course.’

“He said, ‘But I came with Mr. Schweitzer. That would be insulting to him if I went with someone else.’ He insisted and went back with Mr. Schweitzer in his dilapidated truck. This just indicates how he felt about people.”

(this story was originally presented by the Recollector and told by Erwin Panofsky, a famous German art historian.  Want to see his brand of generosity?  Go here for fun!:    http://www.ias.edu/people/panofsky)

You Know You're A Princeton WannaBe When ......

Information like this makes you feel grateful to live/visit/work/play in Princeton!

New Year's Slogan, Winner of Gingerbread House Contest and a bit of Princeton History .... All in ONE Post!
January 01, 2010

The Gingerbread contest ended in a tie - the boys won pretty easily due to a random fan submission titled "Nut House".

The 2010 slogan?  "Pretend You Can't Do It Again in 2010"...... you get it, we're going for adventure this time 'round.  Seize the day type of vibe ..

Much like the Nuthouse made room for the boys to win ..... Ralph Nader ('55) was the third party Presidential candidate  in 2000 and many believe it made room for George W. Bush to win - also interesting, George brought back Donald Rumsfield ('54) to the Pentagon after he won.  If the boys decide to consume the houses today,  I'll be sure to remind the boys that Nader was the father of the Consumer Protection Movement!

HAPPY NEW YEAR GANG! 

1 comment - Last on 01/02/2010

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